torment prepared for them,-you would hear the glad word, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." It is in this course that I would lead you. It is to this glorious end that I would bring you. And as a first step,--but only as a first step,-renounce all known sin, and avoid all known danger.Begin with the Theatre.-Begin from this day.Take the text as your directory.-Follow it faithfully and fully.-Follow it in the strength of the Lord, and “in the power of his might;" and should earth and hell combine, you need not fear. Nothing can harm you. All the evil, which the craft and subtilty of the Devil or man worketh against you, will be brought to nought.

SERMON IX.

PSALM i., 1, 2.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

It is a general direction of St. Peter, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;a direction which applies to the manner, no less than to the matter of religious instruction. Now the Bible, in addressing itself to us, urges upon our consideration all the various arguments by which we are likely to be influenced. It employs command-promise-threatening-invitation— encouragement—warning. It enforces the obligations of duty. It persuades by the terrors of the Lord. It beseeches by the mercies of God. And it does this, that by all means it might turn men from sin to holiness, and save their souls from death.

These various arguments I have employed, from year to year, for the purpose of preserving or of

withdrawing you from that scene and source of wickedness, that snare and tool of Satan-the Theatre.

There is, however, a very powerful argument suggested by my text, which I would urge at this time, which is peculiarly calculated to waken and win attention; and which places in a striking point of view the ruinous tendencies of Theatrical Amusements, and the folly and infatuation of those who frequent them. The text speaks of the "blessed man;" and shows us to whom the character belongs. And I think, my dear Brethren, the consideration of this passage cannot fail to convince every reasonable and reflecting mind, that a delight in Theatrical Amusements is utterly incompatible with the enjoyment of true blessedness; and that an attendance upon Theatrical Amusements is likely to prove a sure hindrance to the attainment of true blessedness. But, in addressing you upon this subject, I would myself bear in mind, and I would put you in remembrance, that the understanding and the heart of the natural man are so fast closed against the truth, that the most powerful and persuasive arguments will be entirely ineffectual, without the inward working of God's Holy Spirit, to carry them home to the conscience, and impress them upon the soul. May you hear, and may I preach, in the influential belief of this truth; with entire dependence upon divine aid, and with earnest prayer for the divine blessing!

M

The two subjects to which I would call your attention, are, First, The nature of the blessedness spoken of in the text; and secondly, The character of the persons to whom this blessedness belongs.

First, the nature of the blessedness spoken of in the text. This is more particularly described in the subsequent verses of the Psalm.

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." This language is figurative, but the meaning is plain. We have here the most beautiful and striking image which the vegetable world could supply, of a progressively happy, holy, and useful life. The person here described, has the favour and blessing of God continually abiding upon him. He receives from above uninterrupted communications of light, and grace, and spiritual strength. He daily advances in the knowledge and practice of God's will. All things belonging to the Spirit live and grow in him. He glorifies God by answering the end of his creation. He makes his profiting to appear. His principles exhibit themselves in corresponding actions and habits. He is fruitful in every good word and work. He is blessed in himself, and is a blessing to all around him. "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;"--these he practices, and these he promotes, as occasions arise, and opportunities are afforded. As life advances, his happiness and his usefulness increase with his years. "His leaf shall not wither." Divine grace still causes him to flourish and abound. His life is hid with Christ in God. His Saviour not only died for him, but is the daily food and sustenance of his soul. While, therefore, nature is tending to decay, grace still thrives; it waxes stronger and stronger. The inward man is renewed day by day. He still brings forth fruit in old age. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” "And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." The hand of the Lord is with him; and that which he does, the Lord makes it to prosper. All events and circumstances are overruled for his advantage. - All things work together for his good. God approves him. His fellow-creatures are benefitted by him. He exhibits the fruits of his religion; and he enjoys the comforts of his religion. "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keeps his heart and mind, through Christ Jesus.'

And, when this world shall have passed away, and the day of final retribution is come, and the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, and all nations are gathered before him;-the man who is here called "blessed," "stands in the